Same boat here. I'm about to retire, turning in all my TA-50 & CIF stuff in 10 days, and I think I'm still going to have a shit-ton of stuff left over. But I'm sure I'll be missing something that will cost me hundreds of dollars...

the best part when we were shopping at REI was at the checkout. Natalie found a pillow she liked, but couldnt find a price on the shelf. We found out at the checkout it was 40 bucks!!!! We didnt buy it because 40 bucks for a camping pillow is hard to stomach.

Other recommended gear: mosquito headnet, sleepmask since it doesn't get dark up here that time of year, and a 230gr can of bear spray. Your gf's boots are fine if comfy but they're prolly not waterproof and you really should plan on riding in some, maybe A LOT, of rain. And do your KLRs have a 1 tooth larger than stock countershaft sprocket on them? Love mine.

University AK Fairbanks rents out rooms for cheap in the summer. I think UA Anchorage does now also. Our Anchorage Harley shop has free camping for motorcyclists that also includes a shower.

And there are also a lot of side dirt roads and gravel pits up here that are good places to camp.

If your route still takes you through the Salem, OR area and you need a break I will purchase you both a cup of coffee or drink to help you guys on your way.

I will be following on the intranet on your travels as I plan on trying the same trip in 2014 or 2015.

Yes! That is right on the path, we will be getting back on the 5 after visiting red woods and crater lake.

Just did a valve adjustment on both bikes, was able to keep 4 shims out of all of them, and loosened them all. Was able sell them to the local BMW Dealership (Irv Seaver, good people there), and buy 4 correct shims for 4 bucks.

Also painting Natalie's bike again. Last time we only painted half of it because she had to use the KLR to ride to school. All the painting is done, just waiting for it all to dry.
Her bike naked.

My bike after closing it up and draining the coolant. Still need to change the oil, grind down the skid pad to allow highway pegs and do small stuff. Can't close the bike up until I get the new spark plug on friday.

We tested out the tent and sleeping bags in the backyard a month or so ago and Natalie had some complaints. She didn't like the feel of the sleeping bag. We looked at REI and they were about 60 bucks!
So today she made 2 sets with flannel from Jo-Anns. She also made herself a pillow and I somehow made myself a pillow slip thingy.
Cost 30 bucks in fabric for both.

We are testing them again outside tonight. It will be 32 degrees out. Alaska should get about that cold on the coldest day right?

If you need a place to sleep as you're passing though the Seattle area, you're more than welcome at our place. I'm just north of Seattle (before Everett) and just a few minutes off of Interstate 5. We have an extra bedroom and plenty of food, beer and wine. Save your money for when you really need it!

__________________
Mill Creek

`10 F800GS

If your circle stays unbroken... then you're a lucky man.- Ronnie James

If you need a place to sleep as you're passing though the Seattle area, you're more than welcome at our place. I'm just north of Seattle (before Everett) and just a few minutes off of Interstate 5. We have an extra bedroom and plenty of food, beer and wine. Save your money for when you really need it!

Yeah that would be great! Ill PM when we get closer to the time to leave.

So we slept outside and the sleeping bags worked great. got down to 28, which should be the lowest we see in the summer in Alaska.

So I just did a simulated packing up. Her sleeping bag with: Big Agnes Sleeping Bag, Insulated Air Core, Memory Foam Cover, Bag Liner, and Pillow do not fit in my 30L compressible dry sack. Great.She can't live without any of those on the trip so....yeah. I have a 40L Exped dry Bag for the schozzle I just ordered so we will try that out when it comes. My sleeping bag (which is a large while hers is a petite) fits just barely in it. I guess the memory foam pads takes up a lot of room.

Its hard to make packing list cuts for camping because if we are not comfortable camping then the trip will be miserable.

I don't think anyone mentioned it------we camped in the Yukon a lot.
Cool thing is every campground is laid out the same.
Very wooded.
Each campsite secluded by the trees from your neighbor.
Picnic table.
Camping area free of weeds.
Nice Fire Ring.
And best of all -----Free Firewood-----$12

I know you talked of stealth camping----but having a fire sure helps with the skeeters.
And somehow---having a fire made me feel a little better knowing bears were always all around me.
One nudged his nose into my tent and shoved my feet over about 2 ft.----I didn't sleep much that night.

BigDog

typical Yukon campground----Alaska was awesome---------------BC and the Yukon were Awesomer !!!!!!

And since it's winter---and you may be gettin' bored----you can read our ride report -----as we went a very different way than most.

I'll be heading up with a few friends this summer. Probably leaving about the first of July. I sold my R6 track bike, and bought a versys for the trip. Still need to get some panniers, boots, and clothing. I'm guessing my leathers and roadrace boots might not be the best choice. :)

I'll be heading up with a few friends this summer. Probably leaving about the first of July. I sold my R6 track bike, and bought a versys for the trip. Still need to get some panniers, boots, and clothing. I'm guessing my leathers and roadrace boots might not be the best choice. :)

Craig

No...nope. Get something that is warm... And rain proof!! Leathers won't help u at all.